Imagine the freedom of traveling the open highways and byways of North America. Following the winding roads, stopping when and where you’d like, and enjoying the solitude and refreshing pace of travel on your terms.

It’s something I’ve always envisioned for myself and now it’s a reality. I bought a tiny home and I’m in love with her.

A whirlwind purchase

My brother is driving back to his hotel room after a day long visit with my parents, who live with me. He calls, not wanting the joy of the day to fade. We both understand that our parents, both in their 80s, aren’t promised a whole lot more days on this earth. He laments something has to be done to make these visits easier. We hatch a plan that all three families will pitch in and buy a travel trailer. It will serve a dual purpose. He and his wife will have a place to stay on my property and I can take it on the road whenever I need a quick escape.

I’ve had a burning enthusiasm for purchasing a travel trailer for many years. I researched, joined Facebook groups on RVing, and priced various models. One would pop up in my price range and I would pine over it, wondering if this was THE one. But I never made the jump.

I log onto Facebook Marketplace after hanging up with my brother. Immediately, I see two lightweight trailers that I think my truck can pull. Then I see HER: a Bohemian-style tiny home. I’m immediately in love. She’s painted in gaudy colors, has a curved metal roof and demands my attention. I can’t stop looking at her. It’s love at first sight. When I look at the price, I think it must be a mistake. How can she be priced so low? Perhaps the owner left off a zero?

Introducing Jolene

I read all the specs on her. Jolene, as her owner Shonnon had named her, began her life as a 1998 pop-up camper. She was purchased with damage to the top, but had a sturdy axel. This renovation project was just the thing to take Shonnon’s mind off her diagnosis of breast cancer. And it would be a way for her to reconnect with nature through her travels while recovering.

Shonnon stripped everything down except the lower part of the camper. Then, drawing on her skills as a homebuilder, she set out to make it sturdy, yet light enough to easily travel down the road.

I pore over the pictures Shonnon posted online. The interior reflects her flair as a decorator, with a shabby chic/farmhouse look. Jolene is more than what I ever expected to find in a portable home. Instead of camping, I can be glamping if I get the keys to this sweet abode.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Everybody loves Jolene

But I’m not the only one who has eyes for her. She was posted for sale three hours earlier and already has over 1,000 saves. Response is so great, Shonnon has to update the listing. Jolene can be seen in person the next day. It will not be sold to anyone who won’t come to inspect it in person. Since I have to take my brother to the airport that day, I know we have to drop by and check her out.

When I meet them in person, both Shonnon and Jolene are delightful. Shonnon is chock-full of helpful information and Jolene’s charm is even more delightful. Shonnon is a member of Sisters on the Fly, a sisterhood of over 8,000+ active members who meet in their vintage campers and connect with the outdoors. She advises me to join, even if I don’t own a camper. The social organization provides a safe place for women to bond, exchange ideas and experience great recreational time outdoors.

After a thorough inspection, I’m a smitten kitten. She’s sturdy, funky, portable and ticks all the boxes I require. I can envision myself in this Bohemian beauty, parked beside a lake in a secluded valley, just me and Mother Nature communing.

When the universe conspires

Call it manifesting, the universe aligning, God’s will or whatever you want. But this feels so right. I try to make a list of the pros and cons, but I can’t find the cons. And the price is set where I could afford to buy it outright, without help from my family. Within a couple of hours of negotiating, Shonnon agrees to sell Jolene to me. Even after our agreement, she has another offer for more than I paid, but she holds firm and honors our pact. All signs point to this decision being the right one.

A new chapter in my life

The purchase of this tiny home/travel trailer is a life-changer for me. I have a dream that after fulfilling my commitment to caring for my parents, I will take to the road and travel whenever and wherever for as long as I desire. It has solidified my self-esteem, making me realize I can negotiate and carry out a sale on my own. And I’m learning new skills with tools. Heck, I’m even learning the difference between a socket wrench and a hammer.

I have a couple of upgrades I want to make on her and want to gain more knowledge about life on the road. After I begin traveling with her, I know I’ll learn more skills. I look forward to having her open conversations with folks at the campgrounds and making more connections, drawing me out of my introverted personality.

I realize she’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but all 84 square feet of her is perfect for me, aside from her name. I’ve decided to change it to reflect her Hungarian caravan appearance and her Southern roots. Henceforth, she will be called Zsa Zsa Belle.

Do you have a nomadic desire? Could you live in a tiny space? Follow our adventures on Instagram at zsazsabelle_bohemianglamper.

Share